COVID-19: FG’s new travel guideline takes effect April 4
A new international travel guideline has been issued by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, removing mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for fully vaccinated visitors and stiff penalties for unvaccinated travellers violating the new rules.
The “Provisional Travel Protocol for Travellers Arriving Nigeria” issued on Sunday by the chairman of the PSC, Boss Mustapha, takes effect from April 4.
According to the new protocol, fully vaccinated in-bound passengers to Nigeria are no longer required to carry out COVID-19 PCR test before boarding Nigeria-bound flights.
Also, “fully vaccinated passengers arriving Nigeria will not also be required to carry out Post arrival PCR test or a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival in Nigeria.”
The new guideline prescribed for the fully vaccinated would apply to travellers between ages 10 and 18 years.
It said that unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated international travellers would still be required to take the PCR test 48 hours before boarding a flight to Nigeria and would undergo post-arrival PCR tests at their own cost.
Meanwhile, for outbound travellers, the guideline prescribes that all passengers travelling out of Nigeria must have evidence of full vaccination, and comply with the guidelines of their destination.
Addressing the issue of airlines boarding violators of the guideline, it said, among other sanctions, such airlines would be fined $3,500 for each violator and could be banned from flying into Nigeria.
“Airlines shall be fined US$ 3,500 per traveller for failure to comply with any of the pre-boarding requirements.
“Airlines who consistently fail to comply with the requirements may be banned from coming to Nigeria; and at the time of boarding, travellers will be required to undergo temperature screening and asked about COVID-19 symptoms.
“Travellers with temperature 38°C and other COVID-19-related signs and symptoms shall not be allowed to board the flight,” the document read.
It also stipulates that travellers who are non-Nigerians would be denied entry into Nigeria and returned to point of embarkation “at the cost to the airline.
“Travellers who are Nigerians or holders of a permanent residence permit will be allowed entry but subjected to the procedure outlined in Section D of the guideline.”
It added that those arriving with forged vaccine certificates would be prosecuted and be made to carry out PCR tests on arrival.
(NAN)
More from Peoples Gazette
Economy
Buhari regime will continue to borrow without subsidy removal: Femi Adesina
“You know how much could have been saved if the subsidy was removed and how it could have been diverted to other areas and spheres of national life.
States
Two children killed in Osun road accident: FRSC
Mr Okpe said the accident which happened seven kilometres from Iwaraja junction involved a Howo Sino Truck and a Nissan bus.
States
Obasanjo, Owu kingmakers screen Methodist Archbishop, 6 others for vacant stool
Mr Obasanjo, who is the Balogun (Chief warrior) of Owu kingdom, had addressed the seven candidates during the screening.
Faith
Catholics hold retreat to pray for Nigeria
The retreat daily anchored by different resource persons, ignited the faithful spiritually as fervent supplications were made to atone sins and halt national challenges.
Health
NDLEA seized N5 billion worth of tramadol in MMIA, other places: Spokesman
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized no less than 9.5 million tablets of Tramadol and Exol-5 worth over N5 billion in three states.
Economy
Epileptic Power Supply: Experts urge review of sector privatisation
The power sector was privatised in November 2013, with six power generation plants and 11 electricity distribution companies handed over to the private sector.
Diaspora
APC Ghana pushes for diaspora office at party’s national secretariat
Mr Micheleti urged all members of the APC in Nigeria and diaspora to close ranks and support the leadership to work for the success of the party.
